Countdown to kickoff: The No. 2 team in the Mercury News preseason football rankings is …

The No. 2 team came close to playing for a CCS title last season. Perhaps this will be the season it gets to the top.

That team is …

SERRA PADRES

Coach: Patrick Walsh

2012 record: 9-3, 5-2

CCS playoffs: Lost to Bellarmine 17-12 in Open Division semifinal.

Outlook: This season is the beginning of life after the Erics for the Serra football team. Erich Wilson and Eric Redwood put up huge numbers the past two seasons at running back in Serra’s run-heavy offense.

Three players are in contention for carries this season: returners Kevin McGee and Kava Cassidy and sophomore Kelepi Lataimua. McGee was a backup running back a year ago. Cassidy mostly saw time at wide receiver.

Quarterback is another position where someone new will need to step in to replace the graduated Zack Kazakoff. Anthony Smock and Matt Fa’aita are competing for the starting job in fall camp.

Right guard Ryan Rudolph (6-2, 265) is the one returning starter on the line. Christian Villanueva (6-1, 220) is the starter at center. Left tackle Jack Dreyer (6-8, 285), left guard Creighton Felise (5-11, 215) and right tackle Thomas Meredith (6-4, 250) are slated to be the other starters.

Matt Dickerson (6-5, 275), who has given an oral commitment to Notre Dame as a defensive line prospect, will see time at tight end, as will James Outman.

Hamilton Anoa’I (6-2, 225), a major-college defensive back prospect, suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Mitty last season. He is back and will play wide receiver on offense. Others in the mix for playing time include Austin Jackson, Cassidy (if he’s not lined up at running back), Ian McGuire and sophomore Brandon Monroe.

Third-year varsity players Daniel Lavulo (5-11, 215) and Jehrico Tufono (5-6, 235) will join Dickerson on the defensive line, making it a team strength. Eric Westerman is the other starter. Manu Langi, Outman and Justin Tatola are the linebackers.

Anoa’I, Tyson Terreros and Nick Maka should provide excellent play at safety. Cassidy and Lataimua are likely starters at cornerback. Steven Bodely will step in as the kicker. Walsh said he thinks Bellarmine is the favorite for the WCAL title.

“Until someone takes it from them, they’re the favorite,’’ Walsh said. “They have the best quarterback in the league coming back. Valley Christian and Mitty were both really young with major talent last year. This is a miserable, excruciating, wonderful time of year to be a WCAL coach. “It’s wonderful but miserable.’’

–GLENN REEVES

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PLEASE NOTE

The Mercury News high school football preview is scheduled to run in Friday’s editions.

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TOUTING IT OUT

We are putting a much greater emphasis on short video clips this school year. If you haven’t checked out our Tout video interviews, go to the Mercury News’ newly-designed web page here and look for South Bay preps videos.